CD Reviews

Just as good now as then

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 02/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was very glad to see that this CD was released recently from the recordings of the original 1962 LP. This is a rich, historical, musical tresure that features the romantic musings of Javier Solis interpreting some of the great Mexican composer Augustin Lara's finest songs. As stated in the title, this is a "Spanish Fantasy", all songs were written by el maestro Augustin Lara with a Spanish theme, there are many pasodobles. The ex-boxer, Mexican crooner, turned movie-idol was five years into his musical career when these original recordings were released and his voice was magnificent. One of the best interpreters of the bolero, el sonorense Javier Solis performs with El Mariachi "Nacional" de Arcadio Elias with supreme confidence as his voice cascades and transcends ordinary offerings by other less notable interpreters. Nearly half a century old, the music is a reminder of the artistic past that prematurely ended for Javier Solis because of an accident.His voice was soft and beautiful, yet able to authoritatively command attention because of the subtle phrasing and wonderful velvety sound of his voice. His unique voice was best suited to the bolero as he softly whispers at times, building gently, rising to fantastic high notes, rollercoasting to low notes and slowing back down to deliver his musical seduction. The songs included are definitely Spanish with many of the themes built around La Fiesta Brava, including Lara's "Novillero" (about an apprentice bullfighter), "Fermin"(in homage to Fermin"Armillita"Espinoza), "Silverio"(a tribute to Silverio Perez, the great Mexican torero) and others. The great cites of Spain are honored as well including "Valencia", "Toledo" and the classic, "Granada". "Granada" is one of those songs that although interpreted by many and so many times, is just one of those songs that cannot be played too often , it is just more beautiful than words can explain. This music is almost fifty and those old enough fondly remember Javier Solis either from his movies or recordings. Those younger have probably never heard of him, but make no doubt about it, once you've heard his remarkable velvety voice you'll never forget him. Javier Solis, one of the best interpreters of the bolero genre is unforgetable/inolvidable and this CD allows a new generation of listeners to hear him at his best. If you like Spanish music with mariachi, Augustin Lara compositions or just one of the best boleros, Javier Solis, this CD belongs in your collection, he was/is one of Mexico's treasures."

Baritoñola

Mozer | California | 12/27/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Javier Solis is one of my all-time favorite singers, and Agustin Lara's songs are superb, so why do I give it less than top ratings? Well, to reiterate, Agustin Lara's compositions are excellent. But these songs can be very difficult and tricky to sing, and perhaps not ideal for a baritone voice, such as Javier's. So, thusly it is difficult for me to listen to this version of "Granada," when comparing it to Mario Lanza's or Placido Domingo's. On the other hand Javier's talent was completely natural and all intuition - perhaps not the formal excellence of Jorge Negrete, but a beautifully dramatic voice. And to me this is most evident in songs like "Novillero" "Clavel Sevillano," and "Silverio." For the non-fan, the best place to start the aural wonder and fascination even is "Valses." I suppose there are "Hits" packages that are better, but "Valses" is the best non-compilation recording.***---***Javier Solís es uno de los cantantes más favoritos míos, y las canciones de Agustín Lara son supremas, entonces ¿Por qué no he puesto marcas de lo máximo? Bueno, repito, las composiciones de Agustín Lara son la excelencia. Pero estas canciones pueden ser muy difíciles y trabajosas para cantar, y posiblemente no son ideales para una vos de barítono, como la de Javier. Entonces, por eso, es difícil escuchar esta versión de "Granada" al compararla con versiones de Mario Lanza o de Placido Domingo. Por otro lado, el talento de Javier fue completamente natural y pura intuición - tal ves no la excelencia formal de Jorge Negrete, pero una vos bellamente dramática. Y creo que esto es obvio en canciones como "Novillero" "Clavel Sevillano," y "Silverio." Para el que no es fanático, el lugar mejor para empezar es "Valses." Supongo que hay colecciones "Éxitos" mejores, pero "Valses" es la mejor colección original."